Your home is one of your most important investments so protecting it from natural disasters should be a top priority. The Atlantic storm season is heating up with more storms expected in the wake of Harvey and Irma. If you’re in harm’s way, either now, or in the coming weeks, then you should take all the necessary precautions.
Not all these improvements will require a serious investment but if you have the budget it’s well worth retrofitting your home as much as you can. Other things are just a matter of simple preparation which is within anyone means. Read on to discover what you can do for your home and family.
Stormproof your home
There are numerous steps you can take to storm-proof your home. Some will call for more of an investment but others not so much.
- Secure your roof – you can reduce roof damage by installing hurricane straps and clips to secure the roof to your house’s frame. This, along with other methods will give you the best protection.
- Buy or purchase storm windows – you can purchase commercially made storm windows, or make your own for each window and door. Use exterior grade or marine plywood that’s at least five-eighths of an inch thick and cut them to fit each window. Use more heavily reinforced plywood to cover large pieces of glass like sliding doors.
- Secure porches and carports – if you have a porch or carport attached to your home this could cause severe damage in heavy winds. Make sure the posts supporting your porch are securely attached to the ground.
- Install head and foot bolts on each door – protect doors against heavy winds by installing bolts at the top and bottom. This is both affordable and easy to do yourself.
- Caulk around doors and windows – to protect your home from moisture damage apply caulk around the edges of your doors and windows. Make sure you do it right.
- Test sump pumps and drains – test your sump pumps and drains to ensure that they’re working correctly. Also, keep an extra set of fresh batteries on hand.
- Clear your lawn – don’t leave anything around your lawn that could act as a flying missile. Secure and store any garden furniture, flower pots and other items
Review your insurance policies
Home insurance policies can vary a lot by region. check that you’re adequately covered and if not take out extra insurance. Standard home insurance does not cover flood insurance so consider taking out some extra coverage. Your insurance agent can help with all this. If there’s an imminent storm on the way it may be too late for this. If however, you’re in a safe zone then now is the time to do this.
Take an inventory of your property
Lastly, take a survey of your home and possessions each year. This way you’ll know exactly what you have and what it’s worth. This will make dealing with the aftermath much easier as you’ll know exactly where you stand.
